The Royal Family is facing calls to set a global example by handing over for destruction all objects made of ivory in their collections.

The Prince of Wales has reportedly already ordered that all ivory artifacts he owns should be removed from display in his homes.

Wildlife organisations calling for a halt to the illegal trade in ivory have said they believe it would be a “telling moment” if the Royal Family were to take a stand by getting rid of their antique – and legal – ivory objects from their collections.

Among the valuable and historic ivory items owned by the Royals are a 1790 Cantonese fan and an ivory brooch which was given as a wedding present to Queen Victoria.

The Elephant Action League, based in the US, is among the organisations calling for old ivory to be destroyed.

All ivory, argued executive director Andrea Crosta, is criminal in nature. She told The Times: “It’s the bitter fruit of centuries of human and elephant exploitation, including slavery.

“Whoever has antique ivory, including the Royal Family, and wishes to contribute to this war against elephant poaching, needs to recognise the criminal nature of their ivory and destroy it.”